12
UNIVERSITY COURIER.
COLLEGIANA.
Several of our students voted in Lawrence at the last election. Now we are not often given to moralizing, but consider it our duty to give the boys a little advice which may keep them out of trouble in the future. To us it is clear that students coming from other portions of the State have no right to vote here. An amendment to our constitution says: "For the purpose of voting, no person shall be deemed to have gained or lost a residence by reason of his presence or absence while a student of any seminary of learning." They have a similar law in New York, where a test case was recently tried, in Cattaraugus county. A young man, whose parents lived in Orleans county, attended a Catholic school at Alleghany, Cattaraugus county, and while there, fitting himself for the priesthood, exercised the right of every American citizen—the right to vote. He was tried for illegal voting and found guilty. We make the following extract from the Judge's charge to the jury, as it fully covers our case, and would have weight in our Courts:
Now, I do not intend to instruct you that this constitutional provision precludes a student from acquiring a residence at the place where he attends college, but the fact must be established by evidence other than that which is afforded by his sojourn in the place as a college student. A change of residence may be effected by a change of location with the intent to make that location a new home, as distinct from any intent to return when some temporary purpose is accomplished. But a change of residence is not effected by an intention alone, or by change of location alone. Both must concur. And the intent must be evinced by consistent acts which denote an abandonment of the former residence and the selection of a new home. You may find here that defendant never intended to return to Orleans county as his home, from his declaration and his conduct, but you must also find before you can decide, that he acquired a new residence—that he intended to make Cattaraugus county his future home, and evidenced that intent by corroborative acts. If he expected to enter upon the duties of a Catholic priest at the place of the college at the expiration of his studies, a starting point would exist in support of the theory urged in his behalf. But even these expectations must have been emphasized by some act of preparation before he could acquire a new residence—some act which would color his intent and consumate his purpose. It therefore follows, if the evidence does not disclose any circumstances which distinguish his case from that of the ordinary one of a college student, intent upon prosecuting his studies, but who has left the parental roof to carve out his own future for himself, it fails to meet the requirements of the law for the acquisition of a new residence, and the main question in the case will turn upon your conclusion upon this subordinate one.
We have no desire to abridge the right of any student to vote, but merely advance this information that no one may get into trouble from an ignorance of the law (for every citizen is presumed to know the law).
Besides, we do not want our institution to acquire the reputation of being a partizan institution. A student has as much right to engage in politics as anybody has. If he be qualified, it is not only his right, but his duty, to vote, but the proper place to exercise the right is not in Lawrence but at his home. Let us keep politics out of our University.
Prof. Patrick's class had a short vacation last month, the professor having been subpoenaed to testify in a murder trial at Olathe. The prisoner was charged with poisoning his son, whose stomach was examined by Professor Patrick, and strychnine found therein.
At the last meeting of the Board of Regents, held November 21st, Prof. H. S. S. Smith, of Princeton, was chosen to fill the chair of Physics, Astronomy and Engineering, made vacant by the death of Prof. Bardwell. Prof. Smith is a young man, a graduate of Princeton, and comes highly recommended by President McCosh, and his fellow members of the faculty. The transfer of Physics to the Chair of Astronomy is a wise one both on account of the intimate connection between the subjects and because it will enable Prof. Patrick to devote his whole time to his specialty—chemistry. Engineering will eventually be placed in charge of the Chair of Mathematics. Prof. F. O. Marvin retains his place as assistant professor of Astronomy and Engineering. Three new assistant professorships are asked for—one in Ancient Languages, one in English and History, and one in Mathematics. They should be supplied, since these departments are at present in an overcrowded condition.
On the evening of the 21st the course of lectures in the Law department was begun. The committee displayed their wisdom when they chose Hon. N. T. Stephens, Judge of the Fourth Judicial District, to inaugurate the course. The lecture was able and eloquent. The lecturer stated that what Kansas wants is more educated lawyers, and fewer pettifogers. Logic rules the courts; vehement gestures and stage effects are of little avail. Our laws should be simple and made by educated men. All who heard the lecture were profited thereby.
Judge S. O. Thacher delivered the initial lecture of the University course on the evening of the 12th ult. The Judge chose for his subject "Hard Times," pointing out their cause and remedy, teaching that to him who labors is an abundant harvest. The lecture was logical and evidenced careful thought.
Miss Kate Stephens entertained the students of her department at her father's residence, northwest of town, on the evening of the 9th ult. The weather, being inclement, prevented a full attendance, but those present were amply rewarded for braving the elements. Music, dancing and refreshments were a part of the programme. A splendid time is reported.
A committee of the Board of Regents, consisting of Messrs. Beatty, Ingalls and Reynolds, were in session on the 19th and 20th ult. They transacted a large amount of business, among other things preparing a report of the condition of the institution for presentation to the Board.
The Junior class are making preparations for an entertainment to be given on the 15th inst The programme will consist of readings, declamations, essays, orations, and music.
Prof. DeMotte of Bloomington, Ill., recently visited the University and was impressed with our advantages and surroundings.
Prof. Snow has lately added to the entomological cabinet a large and beautiful collection of lepidoptera from South America.
The best microscopes made reveal objects one-eighty-thousandth of an inch in length. It is estimated that 2,000 molecules of water arranged in a line, would just be visible under the microscope, hence it would take 8,000,000,000 molecules to make an inch in length.